NYPD drones dropping a floatation device

New York City is taking beach safety to new heights this summer with the introduction of drones equipped to drop emergency floatation devices to swimmers in distress. In a collaborative effort, the NYPD, FDNY, and OEM are leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to enhance rescue operations and ensure the safety of beachgoers, reports ABC 7 NY.

DJI Matrice quadcopter resting on a red landing pad beside a beach parking lot.
DJI Matrice 30

DJI Drones Deliver Life-Saving Floatation Devices

The NYPD’s DJI drones are capable of swiftly delivering floatation tubes to swimmers struggling to stay afloat.

“If a beachgoer is having any type of trouble staying above water, if they submerge in to the water, if they are caught in a riptide, if they need to be rescued, we can drop a tube — as soon as it makes contact with water, it immediately opens up into a floatation device,” explained NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry.

FDNY Drones Offer Versatile Support

The FDNY employs a different DJI drone model, a DJI Matrice 350, that hovers over the Atlantic, ready to carry out various missions. From spotting sharks to assisting with medical emergencies, these drones provide crucial support.

DJI Matrice parked on the sand with a red rescue float slung underneath.
DJI Matrice 350
Matrice hovering high over the Atlantic surf carrying a red flotation pack.
“Mass casualty incidents, bags that have medical devices, radios, communication kits, we can drop a small fire extinguisher to a boat in distress,” said FDNY Capt. Michael Leo.
Officer in a white uniform shirt and Robotics ball cap interviewed on the beach.
FDNY Captain Michael Leo

Multi-Agency Collaboration Enhances Safety

Firefighter with a DJI controller answering questions from an ABC7 reporter holding a microphone.

The joint effort between the NYPD, FDNY, and OEM showcases the power of multi-agency collaboration in ensuring public safety. During emergencies, each agency’s drones serve specific purposes.

“OEM shows up, we’ll put the drone up for an overall picture while the fire department is focused on fire suppression and when the NYPD shows up, that’s a second and third set of eyes in the sky,” explained Michael Kahlau from OEM.

Beachgoers appreciate the added layer of security provided by the drones.

Michael Kahlau of New York City Emergency Management speaking to the camera on the sand.
Michael Kahlau from OEM
Swimmer Shamus McVicar noted, “If I were panicking I think it would bring a little bit of comfort to me.”
Hands on a DJI controller whose screen shows a live aerial view of the shoreline.
Red rescue float pack clipped to a drone release mechanism numbered 94.
Hands strapping a red Restube flotation pack to the drone landing leg.
Man holding an unrolled yellow Restube 75N lite flotation tube beside an SUV.
Aerial view of a swimmer in the surf reaching the dropped yellow float.
NYPD officer working a controller at the open tailgate of an SUV command vehicle.
Fingertip on a controller screen showing a drone view of rocks in the surf.
DJI Matrice hovering over the water with the red rescue float ready to release.
Drone silhouetted from below against a bright sky, red payload visible under the frame.
Matrice lifting off from the pavement next to an empty red H landing pad.
Drone hovering low above the beach with the flotation pack attached below.

DroneXL’s Take

The deployment of drones for beach safety in New York City marks a significant step forward in leveraging technology for public safety. As we’ve seen in recent articles, drones have proven invaluable in various emergency response scenarios, from delivering life-saving medical supplies to assisting in search and rescue operations.

The collaboration between the NYPD, FDNY, and OEM sets a powerful example of how agencies can work together to maximize the benefits of drone technology. As more cities adopt similar initiatives, we can expect to see a significant improvement in emergency response times and overall public safety.

All photos courtesy of ABC 7 NY.